Historical Israel
Day 1: Arrival & Jerusalem Introduction
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport and drive to your hotel in Tel Aviv
Afternoon/Evening: Relax, explore the city on your own, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Day 2: Archaeological Jerusalem
Morning: Start your day at the Israel Museum . This world-renowned museum houses an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls displayed in the Shrine of the Book complex.
Afternoon: Delve into the layers of history in Jerusalem's Old City. Wander through the colorful alleys, visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and the Armenian and Muslim Quarters. Explore underground Jerusalem at the Wohl Archaeological Museum in the Jewish Quarter.
Day 3: Unveiling Jerusalem's Secrets
Morning: Head to Emek Tzurim National Park for a unique hands-on experience. Participate in an archaeological dig and learn about past discoveries from experts.
Afternoon: Continue your exploration of ancient Jerusalem at the City of David. Descend into Hezekiah's Tunnel, an ancient water source dating back to the 8th century BC, and explore the site's various layers.
Visit the Western Wall Tunnels (separate tickets required, book online in advance) for a fascinating journey beneath the Western Wall.
Evening: Immerse yourself in history at the Rockefeller Museum . This museum houses artifacts from prehistoric times to the Ottoman period, offering a comprehensive look at Israel's past.
Day 4: Dead Sea Relaxation & Historical Gems
Morning: Drive from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea area . Stop at Qumran National Park to see the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Learn about the history of this ancient Essene settlement.
Afternoon: Continue your drive to Masada , the magnificent fortress overlooking the Dead Sea. Ascend by cable car (included in the entrance fee) and explore the ruins with a self-guided audio tour (available in multiple languages) .
Tip: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat as Masada can get very hot and sunny.
Late afternoon: Float in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth! Cover yourself with the mineral-rich mud and relax on the shore . Facilities like showers, changing rooms, and lockers are available for a fee.
Tip: Avoid getting Dead Sea water in your eyes as it can sting. Bring flip-flops or water shoes to protect your feet from the rocky shoreline.
Jerusalem Western Wall
Day 5: Unveiling the North - Golan Heights & Galilee
Morning: Drive from the Sea of Galilee area to the Golan Heights . Make a stop at the "Daughters of Jacob" Bridge, where prehistoric remains were discovered. This can be a quick stop for photos.
Continue to Tel Dan Nature Reserve. Explore this ancient city mentioned in the Bible and discover the impressive remains, including the "Tel Dan Stele," an inscription that sheds light on the history of the region.
Next, head to Banyas Nature Reserve. Here, you can admire the cascading Banyas waterfall and explore the ruins of an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the god Pan.
Lunch: Enjoy a delicious Druze lunch in a traditional Druze village and experience their unique culture.
Afternoon: Ascend the Golan Heights and enjoy breathtaking views from Mount Bental. This strategic viewpoint offers panoramas of Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
Embark on an exciting jeep tour through the rugged Golan Heights terrain. Explore volcanic craters, ancient ruins, and scenic valleys.
Stop at Rujm el-Hiri, a fascinating megalithic monument believed to be an ancient burial site. This impressive structure consists of concentric circles of stones.
Day 6: Biblical Sites & Roman Marvels
Morning: Drive from Tiberias to Megiddo National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts layers of ancient civilizations, including a Canaanite city, a fortified Israelite city, and Roman settlements. Explore the impressive remains and learn about the site's significance in biblical history.
Continue your journey south to Caesarea National Park. This magnificent Roman port city, built by King Herod, is a testament to Roman engineering and grandeur. Wander through the restored harbor, Roman theater, and aqueduct, and immerse yourself in history.
Afternoon: Drive along the scenic Mediterranean coast to Tel Aviv. On your way, make a stop at Old Jaffa, a charming port town with ancient walls, cobblestone alleyways, and a captivating atmosphere. Explore the area and discover its historical significance.
Evening: Enjoy Tel Aviv's vibrant nightlife or relax at a beachside cafe. Tel Aviv is a city that never sleeps, offering a variety of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options.
Day 7: Wine & Nature Delights
Morning: Drive from Tel Aviv to the Ella Valley and explore David and Goliath story, it's a beautiful area with rolling hills and vineyards.
Continue to Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park. This fascinating site features an extensive network of underground caves used for various purposes throughout history. Explore the intricate tunnels, bell-shaped chambers, and columbaria (pigeon houses).
Afternoon: Cap off your trip with a visit to a local winery in the region. Many wineries offer tours, tastings, and the chance to sample delicious Israeli wines paired with local cheeses.
If you have extra time, consider visiting the bustling Carmel Market in Tel Aviv for some last-minute souvenir shopping or indulging in a final taste of Israeli street food.
Day 8 : Departure
Arrange your airport transfer or drive to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight home.